CALIFORNIA IN BRIEF : NORTON AIR FORCE BASE : Rice Promises to Heed Local Views

U.S. Air Force Secretary Donald C. Rice, in a visit to soon-to-be-closed Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino County, told local authorities Thursday the Air Force would work with them to decide the future of the 2,000-acre tract of land. His message appeared aimed at reassuring local authorities, who have opposed a proposal to use some of the land for a federal prison. Rice is required to review the prison request, but he said he has the discretion to choose other uses instead. He noted that legislation pending in Congress would place a higher priority on local desires rather than federal interests in the Air Force’s decision.